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Saturday, Jan. 27
Angola 3
Namibia 0
Angola went through but the match didn’t start well at all when they lost their keeper Nebula early in the first half. However, they still managed to control a large period of the half and they took they lead on 37 mins when Gelson Dala finished off a nice passing move. Shortly after that the match was 10 vs 10 due to a sending off for Namibia. Gelson Dala scored again before the end of the first half. In the second half Namibia tried to chase the game but were picked of on a counter and Mabululu made it three midway through the second half. Angola looked good but will get tested in the last 8.
Nigeria 2
Cameroon 0
A comfortable display from the Super Eagles who cruised through to the Quarter Finals courtesy of a brace from Adeola Lookman. He has brought his Serie A form to this tournament and has looked like one of the standout performers. Cameroon Federation chairman and football legend Samuel Eto’o will have to get to the bottom of Cameroon’s woes. Rigobert Song may be relieved of his duties but more than likely several players will not play for thier country again.
Sunday, Jan. 28
Equatorial Guinea 0
Guinea 1
Mohamed Bayo scored a 98th-minute winner, leading Guinea to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals by defeating 10-man Equatorial Guinea, who missed a penalty earlier. Equatorial Guinea’s Federico Bikoro was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Bayo. Guinea’s victory came after Equatorial Guinea’s Emilio Nsue missed a penalty. Bayo’s late header secured Guinea’s first quarter-final appearance since 2015. They will face DR Congo after DR Congo beat Egypt on penalties. Bayo’s goal, timed at 97 minutes and 38 seconds, is the latest winning goal in the tournament’s knockout stage history.
Egypt 1
DR Congo 1 (Go through on penalties.)
DR Congo booked their place in the last 8 after a thrilling encounter with Egypt. Meschack Elia gave DRC the lead after converting a Yoane Wissa. Late on in the first half, Egypt were awarded a penalty after VAR invention. Mostafa Mohamed converted from the spot. The second half played out as a stalemate and after extra time could not produce a winner, the game went to penalties. With the game at 7-7, both goalkeepers stepped up to take the pressure spot kick. Gabaski, who had a good tournament hit the crossbar for Egypt, presenting a sudden death opportunity for Congolese keeper Mpasi to win the match for his nation which he duly obliged.
Monday, Jan. 29
Cape Verde 1
Mauritania 0
A late penalty by Ryan Mendes secured Cape Verde’s spot in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, their second appearance in the stage. Yassine El Welly’s mistake led to the penalty, converted by Mendes in the 88th minute. Both teams had chances in a spirited match lacking quality in the final third. Mauritania, in their first knockout game, showed early energy but failed to capitalise. Cape Verde’s defence held firm, with Mendes sealing the win from the spot, extending his record as the country’s leading goalscorer.
Senegal 1
Ivory Coast 1 (Go through on penalties.)
This big fixture between the Hosts and reigning Champions turned out to be a game of two halves. Senegal looked comfortable in the first half after taking the lead earlier through Diallo after 4 minutes. Cameroon grew into the game the longer it went on and forced Senegal to defend and give up possession, hoping for a counter- attack. Ivory Coast levelled the game in the 2nd half thanks to Franck Kessie. The game went to extra time and lacked any quality chances leading to a penalty shoot-out. Kessie had the opportunity to win the Match for Ivory Coast which he took with aplomb to sending his country through to the last 8, winning 5-4 on penalties.
Tuesday, Jan. 30,
Mali 2
Burkina Faso 1
Mali secured a quarter-final spot at the Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Burkina Faso. An early own goal by Edmond Tapsoba gave Mali the lead, with Lassine Sinayoko extending it early in the second half. Bertrand Traore pulled one back for Burkina Faso from the penalty spot, but Mali held on for the win. Mali will face Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals. Both teams made changes for the match, which was played in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Mali dominated early, with Haidara hitting the post before Tapsoba’s own goal. Despite Burkina Faso’s efforts, Mali held firm to secure the victory.
Morocco 0
South Africa 2
South Africa stunned 10-man Morocco, advancing to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals. Evidence Makgopa’s goal, despite a VAR check, secured the win. Achraf Hakimi missed a penalty late in the game. Sofyan Amrabat’s dismissal added to Morocco’s woes, with Teboho Mokoena sealing the victory with a free-kick. South Africa will face Cape Verde in the quarter-finals, aiming to surpass their 2019 quarter-final exit.
The Quarter Finals ties:
Friday Feb. 2
- 1: Nigeria vs Angola (Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, 5pm)
- 2: DR Congo vs Guinea (Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, 8pm)
Saturday Feb. 3
- 3: Mali vs Ivory Coast (Stade de la Paix, Bouake, 5pm)
- 4: Cape Verde vs South Africa (Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro, 8pm)
